Boeing orders continue as JAL agrees up to 20 787s
Japan’s flag carrier is modernising its fleet having agreed for up to 20 more 787 Dreamliners, with the deal including 10 787-9s with options for 10 more. The agreement builds on JAL’s current fleet of more than 50 of the widebody jet.
With a range of up to 14,010km, JAL has leveraged the versatility of the 787 to expand its network opening new point-to-point markets from Tokyo to San Diego, Boston and Bangalore. This latest order underlines the carrier’s commitment to accelerating the introduction of the modern and more fuel-efficient aircraft to its fleet with JAL executive officer of procurement, Yukio Nakagawa, saying: “We greatly appreciate the strong relationship and support from Boeing, which has been instrumental in our efforts to modernise our fleet and expand our international routes.”
A longstanding customer for Boeing, JAL started its journey with the 787 in 2012 with Nakagawa crediting the aircraft with enabling it to “embrace the opportunities to connect Tokyo to the world.”
Boeing’s senior vice president of commercial sales and marketing, Brad McMullen, thanked JAL for once again placing its trust in the aircraft manufacturing company as he referenced the two companies “deep and enduring relationship.” He also thanked the carrier for “sticking with Boeing through some of the more challenging times,” as he said the aircraft wouldn’t be what it is today without JAL’s “support and leadership as a model of efficiency” in the industry.
“Japan Airlines continues to be a global ambassador for the 787 Dreamliner and this latest agreement is a testament to the versatility and efficiency of the 787-9 for the airline’s key long-haul routes,” McMullen continued. “We look forward to seeing how the carrier will utilise these new aircraft across its network.”
Referencing anticipated demand in passenger growth across its routes between India and North America, Nakagawa said he expects this new aircraft order to offer maximum flexibility across its international routes depending on passenger demand.
Nakagawa also said that while there weren’t any plans at this point to make additional orders during the show, no firm decision has been made at this point.
